Runs like crap after tune up--fixed inside.

[torqlox]

Well I finally got around to a tuneup on my 96' OHV Limited. Vehicle ran fine at 140K with original Motorcraft plugs and wires, but it was that time. I put a fresh set of Autolite single platinum plugs and Wires. Got the wire lengths down as best I could and did not gap the plugs (Didn't have the gap tool so did the eyeball match as best I could). Truck ran fine first 24 hrs, and now jerks and struggles to stay above 500rpm (Runs like crap).

If I half-assed this install then I deserve the outcome (My very first install ever on a V6). Please advise if the truck runs like crap because of the lack of gapping, or because I did not put di-electric grease on the terminals. Thank you!

-JT

 

[my98nnj]

You shouldn't have to gap a platinum plug. Ran good for a day then messed up? I suspect something other then plugs. Did you trim the wires to get lengths or were they made the correct length?

 

[Turdle]

Get a spark plug gap tool and set the gap properly, I bet the problem goes away.

Unless the plugs got fouled. This is a tough call, but you might want to just get a new set of plugs. You "might" be able to take them back and get new ones as replacement.

They should have a spark plug gapping tool near the cash register, for about .99

 

[torqlox]

Thanks. The wires came in a set that had the preset lengths from the box. Will remove and gap tonight. If they are fouled will get replacements and post my results.

 

[Convict1997]

I used these same plugs on my 96 OHV w/136k miles. Before the change I was noticing a lot of stumbling on acceleration. Obviously, it was running on the originals. They looked to be in good shape for that many miles, just worn out. I found conflicting information regarding gapping. Some said do it. Some said you don't have to. None said that you can't so I figured it couldn't hurt. I used the Autolite professional wire set too. You shouldn't need to add any dielectric grease. If you look inside the boots, they're already coated. Truck ran much better afterwards. No more stumbling. I agree with the previous poster. Pull the plugs to set the correct gap. Then see what happens.

 

[swshawaii]

Truck ran fine first 24 hrs, and now jerks and struggles to stay above 500rpm (Runs like crap).

Wouldn't make sense for it to run fine for 24 hours. Is it remotely possible #5 and #6 plug wires are mixed up?

 

[Joe Dirt]

The plug wires may be resting on an exhaust manifold and took 24 hours to burn through the insulation and now it/they are arcing. If they were swapped, it wouldn't have run right on first start.

 

[torqlox]

All good points. Just loaded up on fresh set of Autolite Single Platinum, gap gauge, dielectric, anti seize, swivel socket, and wires. Will check to make sure the wires haven't touched any hot components. Thanks for the heads up on that too!

 

[torqlox]

Update: 2/20/13 11:25pm

Well I opened the hood and inspected all the components and no wires had touched anything hot and were all mounted properly. However, when I went to dismount the intake tube to gain clearance to the passenger side bank, I found that the intake tube was completely lose from the Air "Cylinder box" at the neck (Before the mass airflow sensor). I am pretty certain this was 98% of the reason for the bad combustion, but I still went ahead and inspected, cleaned, re-gapped, and added di-electric and anti-seize to all plugs. Plug #6 on the drivers side was also lose, so the re-install took care of that. Truck purrs like a kitty now. Thanks to all who pitched in on here. This is a great community. -JT

 

[swshawaii]

Thanks for the follow up!

Excellent! Nothing better than a free and quick fix. Also the peace of
mind knowing it was done right with antisieze and dielectric grease.